ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — University of Georgia officials have created a facility to house pets in hurricanes and other emergencies.

The Athens Banner-Herald reports that many people refuse to evacuate their homes during emergencies because they don't want to leave their pets, putting themselves at risk.

Pete Golden, an emergency official at UGA, says the hope is that a new system developed will allow people to bring their pets to the UGA Livestock Instructional Arena while they stay a few miles away.

In an emergency, animals would be registered at the Livestock Center and undergo a medical-intake evaluation by the veterinary college. A triage area will also be set-up for animals in need of medical assistance or quarantine.

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